This Dutch Shrimp Gravy recipe is a culinary gem that fits perfectly into any celebratory occasion, whether it’s a festive Easter brunch, a cozy Christmas dinner, or simply a weekend lunch when you desire something truly extraordinary. Its versatility and elegance make it a go-to dish for entertaining guests or treating yourself to a sophisticated meal. The creamy, rich texture of the ragout, combined with the delicate sweetness of the shrimp and the zing of capers, creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and exhilarating.

To serve this exquisite Garnalenragout, we highly recommend using puff pastry baskets. You can opt for readily available pre-made puff pastry shells, or for an even more satisfying experience, try making your own using our easy puff pastry baskets recipe. These crispy, flaky vessels are the perfect complement to the creamy shrimp filling, providing a delightful textural contrast. Just before serving, a final touch of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors, bringing a vibrant brightness to every spoonful. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Dutch Shrimp Gravy Recipe

This particular Dutch Shrimp Gravy (Garnalenragout) stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a favorite in many kitchens. First and foremost, its **speed of preparation** is unmatched. In just about 20 minutes from start to finish, you can have a gourmet dish ready to serve, perfect for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings when you need something impressive in a flash. Secondly, despite its quick preparation, the flavor is anything but compromised. Each spoonful is rich, creamy, and packed with the delicate taste of fresh shrimp, enhanced by a carefully balanced blend of herbs and spices.

Moreover, its **versatility** makes it a culinary chameleon. While traditionally served in puff pastry baskets for a classic Dutch “pasteitje,” this shrimp gravy can also be enjoyed over rice, toast, or even as a filling for crêpes. It transitions effortlessly from an elegant starter to a satisfying lunch or a delightful light dinner. The use of small, sweet Dutch shrimps (Hollandse garnalen) is key to its authentic taste, providing a unique sweetness and tender texture that larger prawns can’t quite replicate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is designed for success, delivering consistently delicious results every time. It’s truly a dish that combines convenience with culinary excellence.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Dutch Shrimp Gravy

The magic of this Garnalenragout lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. A full list with precise measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of this blog post. However, let’s dive into some key components and why they are essential:

• Cocktail Shrimps (Hollandse Garnalen): These small, pre-peeled Dutch cocktail shrimps are the star of the show. Their delicate texture and sweet, briny flavor are perfectly suited for this creamy ragout. Using them saves significant prep time, and their size ensures they meld seamlessly into the sauce without overpowering it.
• Fish Stock: This forms the flavorful base of your gravy. While fresh fish stock offers the richest, most authentic taste, a high-quality stock cube dissolved in hot water works wonderfully if you’re short on time. For the best roux consistency, ensure your stock is cooled before adding it to the flour mixture. You can use vegetable stock as a substitute, but be aware that it will result in a less pronounced seafood flavor.
• Cream: The cream is crucial for achieving that wonderfully smooth, rich, and luxurious texture that defines a good ragout. To prevent it from splitting when added to the hot sauce, it’s a good practice to let it come to room temperature for about half an hour before use. Cooking cream can also be used as an alternative for a slightly lighter option.
• Capers: These pickled, unopened flower buds add a bright, briny, and slightly tangy counterpoint to the richness of the shrimp and cream. They provide a refreshing pop of flavor that cuts through the creaminess, enhancing the overall complexity of the shrimp ragout. Make sure to drain them well before adding.
• Mustard: A touch of mustard adds a subtle “kick” and a depth of flavor that balances the richness of the gravy. Any type of mustard – Dijon, whole grain, or even a classic yellow mustard – will work, each offering a slightly different nuance. It’s a secret ingredient that truly elevates the sauce.
• Dry White Wine: As the saying goes, “fish must swim,” and in this recipe, we take that literally! A dry white wine, such as a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio, complements the shrimp beautifully, adding acidity and aromatic complexity to the sauce. It’s also a lovely touch to serve the same wine alongside your meal. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, simply substitute the wine with an equal amount of additional fish stock.
• Fresh Dill: Dill is a fantastic culinary partner for seafood, especially shrimp. Its distinctive fresh, slightly anise-like flavor brings an aromatic brightness to the ragout, creating a delicious and classic pairing that truly makes this dish shine. Always opt for fresh dill for the best flavor.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors, adding a necessary acidic balance to the creamy sauce. It’s essential for a fresh finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Your Delicious Shrimp Ragout

Crafting this flavorful shrimp ragout is a straightforward process, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, rich, and utterly delicious dish that will impress your family and friends. For a convenient printable version of the recipe, refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

1. Start Your Roux: Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once the butter has fully melted and is slightly foamy, add all of the flour at once. Immediately begin stirring vigorously with a wooden spatula or whisk. Continue cooking this mixture, known as a roux, for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This crucial step cooks out the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth and nutty base for your gravy.
2. Whisk in Liquids: Reduce the heat to very low. Slowly, in a steady stream, pour the dry white wine into the roux while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. The mixture will initially be very thick. Once the wine is incorporated, gradually add half of the cooled fish stock, still whisking. The sauce will begin to thin out and become smooth. Increase the heat to medium and pour in the remaining stock and the cream, continuing to whisk until completely smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for three minutes, allowing it to thicken into a luxurious gravy consistency.
3. Add Flavor Boosters: Once your creamy base is ready, gently fold in the small Dutch shrimps and the drained capers. The residual heat from the ragout will be enough to warm the pre-cooked shrimps, preserving their tender texture. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough.
4. Final Touches and Serving: Stir in the finely chopped fresh dill, which adds a beautiful freshness and aromatic note. Taste the shrimp gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. A final squeeze of lemon juice will brighten all the flavors. To serve, warm your puff pastry baskets in the oven according to package instructions (or if homemade, bake until golden and flaky). Place the warm pastry shells on plates and generously spoon the savory shrimp ragout into each. Garnish with an extra sprig of fresh dill and a lemon wedge on the side for an elegant presentation. Enjoy your homemade Garnalenragout immediately!

Did you try making this delicious Dutch Shrimp Gravy (Garnalenragout)? We’d love to see your culinary creations! Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram – I regularly share the most beautiful photos from my followers. Your feedback is invaluable and helps other home cooks discover wonderful new recipes. If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a rating on the recipe card below!

Need more culinary inspiration?

• Explore a variety of video recipes on my YouTube channel.
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Andréa